Pittsburgh Passion seek victory, division title in D.C. on Saturday
By Larry Snyder
The Pittsburgh Passion (4-2) are on the road Saturday to renew their rivalry with the D.C. Divas at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Landover, Md. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m.
Week 7’s action could see the Passion stealing the NFC Division 2 championship, and earning a first-round bye, if they are able to pull off a decisive win of at least 12 points over the Divas. Any other outcome will leave the fight for the crown in the hands of the Divas and their matchup with the Columbus Comets next week.
The last time the Passion and the Divas faced each other was Week 1 at
Highmark Stadium in Station Square, when the D.C. Divas (4-2) defeated the Passion 42-31. Pittsburgh was without its leading receiver Rachel Wojdowski, who has 27 catches for 522 yards and 10 touchdowns since Week 2.
Over the season, the Passion defense has come together as a unit and is ranked first in the WFA. The women of Pittsburgh have surrendered a total of 98 points in six weeks, which works out to an average of 16.3 points per game.
The Divas offense has scored a total of 273 points in six weeks and racked up 2,343 yards of total offense. The D.C. offense is averaging 45.5 points per game.
The Pittsburgh Passion will finish out the 2013 season at home next Saturday, June 8, at 7 p.m. against the Detroit Dark Angels. All games, home and away, can be seen online at the team website.
Passion Pride: The Pittsburgh offense has scored a total of 220 points and recorded 2,062 yards of total offense in six weeks. Their highest scoring game was in Week 4 when they defeated the Columbus Comets 49-0.
Quarterback Lisa Horton is 90 of 167 through the air for 1279 yards, 18 touchdowns and just three interceptions. Horton has also rushed 25 times for 175 yards and two touchdowns on the season.
The ground attack is led by rookie fullback Candice Snyder, who has 44 carries for 267 yards and six touchdowns. Running back Ciara Chic has 151 yards on 25 carries and one touchdown.
In addition to Wojdowski, Angela Baker has 301 yards on 24 receptions, including four touchdowns. Wide receiver Amanda Haeg has 18 catches for 278 yards and three touchdowns.
Defensive lineman Kaitlain Neidermeyer leads the defense with 34 tackles, in six weeks of play, while defensive end Olivia Griswold is the leader in tackles for a loss with nine. Linebackers Amy Betterton and Tia Montgomery are tied with defensive backs Sharon Vasquez and Alex McAtee for the team lead in interceptions with one apiece. Defensive back Krystal Cozzo has six pass deflections in 2013.
On special teams, placekicker Amy Fallon is 29 for 30 in point after attempts this season. She is 1 for 3 on field goal attempts.
D.C. Clipboard: If the Divas win on Saturday, they would secure their 10th division title in team history, joining the Sacramento Sirens as just the second team in women’s football to capture 10 division crowns.
Quarterback Allyson Hamlin is 72 of 122 for 1244 yards, 19 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Running back Kenyetta Grigsby is the leading rusher with 91 carries for 863 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Wide receiver Ashley Whisonant leads the team in receptions with 23 for 600 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Linebacker Trigger McNair is the leader of the Divas defense with 35 tackles in six weeks, while defensive back Callie Brownson has three interceptions.